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nissag
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| Posted: Oct 15 2008 at 3:28pm | IP Logged
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WOW! That's quite a list. Brian and I have never been expensive Christmas people. Once our children started coming along, and they grew a little bit older, we emphasized homemade Christmas. Now we start in July thinking about what we will make for each other. And Christmas morning is a real treat when we get to see what the kids have made.
Brian and I buy neccessities and stocking stuffers, we focus a lot on attending midnight mass, and on a special dinner.
Last year, we finally called a halt to "get as many cheap toys as we can cram into a pickup truck for under $100" by the grandparents. We sent out a list of those things that would be really special - natural fibre craft supplies, art supplies, science kits, etc. We got them, and our folks wound up having a blast hunting for those things.
Every year, we host an epiphany party. It originally began as a way of honouring the kids' godparents, but has grown to include the entire extended family and other dear friends. It's an absolute blast. We bless the front door, make a lot of noise, eat too much and really, really enjoy each other's company. Oh, and freak out our non-Catholic neighbours.  It's a gift we all enjoy.
Blessings,
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Nissa
Deacon's wife, mother of eleven, farmer, teacher, creator, cook.
At Home With the Gadbois Family
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KC in TX
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| Posted: Oct 15 2008 at 3:50pm | IP Logged
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nissag wrote:
Oh, and freak out our non-Catholic neighbours. It's a gift we all enjoy. |
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KC,
wife to Ben (10/94),
Mama to LB ('98)
Michaela ('01)
Emma ('03)
Jordan ('05)
And, my 2 angels, Rose ('08) and Mark ('09)
The Cabbage Patch
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florasita
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| Posted: Oct 15 2008 at 4:03pm | IP Logged
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Vanna don't beat or worry yourself about it . You are right you have no control over what others do buy etc.
I mean you could have a big fight and never see anyone again . I would think Our Lord would not ask that of you  over something such as gifts .
You can suggest such things that you would like your children to receive like memberships to theater companies ,art dance or other lessons , museum passes ,
laptops could be good if your children would be told and respect what the use is to be for .
If you are afamily who can afford these items it is not wrong . What matters is I just heard some parent concellor the other day say is they learn how things are achieved and earned . It is very common in this next generation that children are just being given without the knowing or earning etc. so now there is a whole generation of young adults going off into the world with expectation of instant gratifcation as well as having being taught to live high and on credit .
That is a reality and very true for many families .
My sil is in the same situation with her inlaws . She just accepts all the plastic junk and within a yr. it is out the door to goodwill her child knows this and within 2months of Christmas reality is he never plays with the stuff anyway . Last yr though she did convince her mil to purchase a wooden sword and sheild so things they are a changin
In the end remember these are your children no one elses well except for His of course
God Bless You , Rox
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May I rise & rest with words of Gratitude on my Breath
May I have the Heart & Mind of a Child in my Depth
May I forever remember to be a Light
May Peace Love & Hope be My Sight
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mrsgranola
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| Posted: Oct 16 2008 at 7:05pm | IP Logged
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Vanna, I agree with lots of the good advice here. The only thing I have to add is that it seems to be an issue of BOUNDARIES. If someone told me they'd give my child whatever they want to, regardless of my wishes, it would definitely rile me up. They are imposing. They are not respecting your family's boundaries. I may be off-target but this is what kept popping in my head when I was reading the thread...
Amatuer psychologist,
JoAnna
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Parente Adventures
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Already thinking of Christmas present...
